Who We Are

OneJax is a nonprofit organization that seeks to promote diversity as the foundation for a strong community. We work to increase respect and improve relationships among people who represent the rich menagerie of religious, ethnic, racial and cultural groups that compose our community.

Mission

OneJax is an interfaith organization dedicated to achieving civility, understanding and respect for all through education, dialogue and community-building.

Vision

Our vision is an inclusive community where difference is welcomed and celebrated.

Guiding Principles Infographic Information

GUIDING PRINCIPLES

We believe that through education, advocacy, and community building, we can empower members of our community to make decisions today that will make for a more inclusive tomorrow.

UNITY

We celebrate our common humanity and honor our differences.

RESPECT

We respect and value every person's human dignity.

INTEGRITY

We live these principles everyday.

ACCOUNTABILITY

We hold ourselves and the community accountable for these principles.

COURAGE

We stand together and speak out against oppression.

CREATIVE TENSION

We face disagreement and discord to elicit better ideas and outcomes.

FAITH

Our commitment to a common vision is rooted in our individual and diverse faiths.

Our Story

Originally formed as a local chapter of the National Conference of Christians and Jews in 1970 and later known as the National Conference for Community and Justice, the organization has addressed the ever-changing needs and challenges that come with promoting interfaith respect, acceptance and inclusion. In 2005, the Jacksonville chapter disaffiliated from its national group and formed OneJax.

The reputation of OneJax and its work continued to grow over the next several years. The range of topics addressed in its many forums of discussion expanded to include ethnicity, race, culture, ability/disability and sexual orientation. In February 2012, OneJax formally affiliated with the University of North Florida to become an Institute of the University. This partnership has brought numerous benefits to both OneJax and UNF; by bringing OneJax onto its campus, the University has positioned itself to strengthen its community partnerships to play an even more significant role in Northeast Florida's conversations about diversity and inclusion.

While OneJax works closely within the UNF community to support its initiatives, it also continues its work in the broader Northeast Florida region in areas such as education, advocacy and community engagement. OneJax is a member of the National Federation for Just Communities (NFJC), an alliance of organizations across the nation dedicated to addressing issues of diversity and inclusion.

Meet Our Staff

Nancy Broner

Executive Director

Nancy is a former member and past chairman of the Duval County School Board, serving on the board from 2002 to 2010. Active in the Jacksonville community for many years, she also served as an independent consultant providing policy and governance training and group facilitation to clients such as the United Way of Northeast Florida, Duval County Public Schools, School District of Philadelphia and others. Nancy has also held many leadership roles within the community, including current chair of Baptist Health System's social responsibility and community health committee, current member of Baptist Beaches Medical Center board of directors, board member of the Atlantic Institute, current member of WJCT's Community Advisory Board, past member of the Florida Times-Union's City of Hope task force, the Jacksonville Journey task force and the Schultz Center for Teaching and Leadership, among others.

Deidre Lane

Assistant Director of Youth Programs

Deidre is a diversity and inclusion practitioner who oversees OneJax's youth programs linked under the umbrella of OneYouth - Different Together. The three components are: Diversity Education, Metrotown Institute, and Leaders of United Diversity (LOUD). Deidre has extensive experience in leadership coaching, facilitation and group processing, team building and conflict resolution. Deidre previously served as Hotline Coordinator with the City of Jacksonville's Sexual Assault Response Center, a position she held from 2003 to 2013. She also served on the Mayor's Commission on the Status of Women, as the First Chair, appointed by former Mayor John Peyton.

Jacey Willbach

Assistant Director of Operations

Jacey joined the OneJax team in early 2017. In her role, Jacey focuses on areas of event planning, social media communications, and office maintenance. Previously, Jacey worked as the Assistant Director in the One-Stop Student Services office at the University of North Florida, and therefore brings with her great knowledge about the University, as well as administrative and customer service experience. Jacey graduated from Flagler College with a degree in Business Administration and a minor focus on Psychology and she will be earning her Master's degree in Educational Leadership with a concentration in Higher Education Administration this summer from UNF. Jacey is thrilled to be a part of the OneJax team, working toward inclusion in the Jacksonville community, and celebrating being different together.

Kathi Gram

Administrative Services Coordinator

Kathi has been with OneJax for over 25 years and has been the constant through changes in affiliations, directors, board members and office locations. Throughout it all, she has been the person answering the phones, coordinating registration at events, maintaining the books and managing the office.